International Council of Unitarians and Universalists

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Name	International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Formation	1995
Type	Religious organization
Headquarters	Oxford, United Kingdom
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	25+ member groups
Language	English
Leader title	President
Leader name	Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists is a global body connecting autonomous Unitarian and Universalist churches and fellowships. Founded in the mid-1990s, it fosters international cooperation, supports emerging groups, and promotes shared liberal religious values. The council is dedicated to building a worldwide community grounded in principles of freedom, reason, and tolerance.

History and formation

The formation of the council was a direct result of growing international dialogue among Unitarian Universalists following the 1989 centennial of the International Association for Religious Freedom. Key figures like the British and Foreign Unitarian Association and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in North America championed the idea of a formal global network. A founding conference was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1995, officially establishing the body. This gathering included representatives from long-established churches in Transylvania, the United Kingdom, and India, alongside newer fellowships from regions like Africa and the Philippines.

Organizational structure

The council operates as a voluntary association of independent member organizations, governed by a board of trustees elected at its biennial general meeting. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive committee, which includes a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The current president is Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell. A small administrative office is maintained in Oxford, with coordination often handled in partnership with staff from the Unitarian Universalist Association and the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Key committees focus on finance, growth, and program development.

Member groups and regions

Full membership is open to national or regional Unitarian and Universalist organizations, encompassing a diverse geographical spread. Major members include the Unitarian Universalist Association (U.S. and Canada), the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (UK), and the Unitarian Church of Transylvania. Growing participation comes from the Unitarian Union of North East India, the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines, and emerging groups in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. Associate membership is available for developing fellowships and individual congregations not part of a national body.

Beliefs and principles

The council does not impose a creed but unites members around a common commitment to liberal religious thought. This includes a shared heritage of freedom of belief, the use of reason in exploring theology, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person. While theological views among members range from Christian theism to religious humanism, they are united by principles of tolerance, social justice, and ethical living. The Paris Declaration of 1995 and the ICUU Principles formally articulate these shared values, emphasizing unity in diversity.

Activities and programs

A primary activity is organizing the biennial international conference, recently held in locations like Waterloo, Belgium and Boston. The council administers the Growth Fund, providing grants and mentorship to fledgling congregations, particularly in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. It facilitates youth and young adult exchanges, leadership training workshops, and the sharing of resources like hymnals and religious education materials. Publications include a regular newsletter and support for theological discourse through partnerships with institutions like Meadville Lombard Theological School.

Relationship to other organizations

The council maintains a close collaborative relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Association, which provides significant logistical and financial support. It is a member organization of the International Association for Religious Freedom and cooperates with other global faith bodies on interfaith and humanitarian initiatives. The council also works alongside regional networks like the European Unitarian Universalists and the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. While organizationally distinct, it shares deep historical and ideological roots with the Transylvanian Unitarian Church and the Unitarian Christian Church in Hungary.

Category:Unitarian Universalism Category:International religious organizations Category:Organizations established in 1995